How Long Do You Smoke Chicken Legs? The Perfect Time and Temperature Guide

Have you ever tried to smoke chicken legs and ended up with either rubbery skin or dry meat? You’re not alone! As a passionate home smoker, I’ve been there too. Getting that perfect balance of juicy meat, crispy skin, and smoky flavor can be tricky. After years of trial and error (and a few family dinners that nobody talks about anymore), I’ve figured out exactly how long to smoke chicken legs for mouthwatering results every time.

In this guide I’ll share everything you need to know about smoking chicken legs from preparation to serving. The best part? Chicken legs are super affordable, usually around 99 cents per pound, making them perfect for practicing your smoking skills without breaking the bank!

The Perfect Time and Temperature for Smoking Chicken Legs

Let’s cut to the chase – how long do you actually need to smoke chicken legs? The answer depends on a few factors, but here’s the quick version:

At 225°F (the most common smoking temperature):

• Expect to smoke chicken legs for approximately 2 to 3 hours
• The exact time will vary based on size of the legs, your smoker, and desired doneness

At 275°F (for crispier skin):

• Smoking time reduces to about 1.5 hours
• Higher temp helps prevent leathery skin while still getting good smoke flavor

But wait – don’t just rely on time! The most important factor is internal temperature, Chicken legs should reach

• 165°F minimum for food safety
• 175-185°F recommended for dark meat (gives more tender, fall-off-the-bone texture)

I personally prefer smoking chicken legs at 275°F. The slightly higher temperature gives me that crispy skin I love while still allowing plenty of time for the smoke flavor to penetrate. Plus, who doesn’t want dinner ready a bit faster?

Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking Perfect Chicken Legs

What You’ll Need:

• 2-3 pounds chicken legs/drumsticks
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Your favorite chicken rub (a sweet rub works great!)
• Apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle (optional)
• BBQ sauce (optional)
• Reliable meat thermometer

Step 1: Preparation (30 minutes before smoking)

1. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels
2. Drizzle or spray with olive oil (this helps the seasoning stick AND prevents leathery skin)
3. Season generously with your chicken rub
4. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes

Pro tip: You can prepare the chicken legs the night before and refrigerate them. Just bring them to room temperature while your smoker heats up.

Step 2: Preheat Your Smoker

1. Set your smoker to 225°F or 275°F depending on your preference
2. Add your choice of wood chips or pellets (apple, cherry, hickory or pecan work great with chicken)
3. Allow smoker to fully preheat (usually takes 30-60 minutes)

Step 3: Smoke Those Legs!

1. Place seasoned chicken legs directly on the grill grates, leaving space between each piece
2. Close the lid and maintain a steady temperature
3. If using apple cider vinegar spray, spritz the legs every 30 minutes to keep them moist
4. After about 1.5 hours (at 275°F) or 2 hours (at 225°F), check the internal temperature

Step 4: Apply Sauce (Optional)

1. When chicken reaches about 165°F internal temperature, brush with your favorite BBQ sauce
2. Continue smoking until final temperature reaches 175-185°F
3. The sauce will tighten and caramelize during this final cooking period

Pro tip: You can thin your BBQ sauce with a little apple juice to make it easier to spread evenly on the chicken legs.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove chicken legs from smoker once they reach your desired temperature
2. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
3. Enjoy your perfectly smoked chicken legs!

Common Questions About Smoking Chicken Legs

Why do my smoked chicken legs have rubbery skin?

The most common cause is smoking at too low a temperature. For crispy skin, either:

• Smoke at a higher temperature (275°F)
• Use the olive oil trick before seasoning
• Finish the legs with a quick stint on a hot grill or under the broiler

Do I need to brine chicken legs before smoking?

Unlike chicken breast, dark meat like chicken legs has enough fat and connective tissue to stay moist without brining. That said, a simple brine can add flavor if you have the extra time. Just don’t exceed 4 hours or the texture can become too mushy.

What wood is best for smoking chicken legs?

Fruitwoods like apple and cherry give a mild, sweet smoke flavor that complements chicken perfectly. Hickory and pecan are also good choices for a slightly stronger smoke profile. I’d avoid mesquite or heavy woods as they can overpower the chicken.

How do I know when chicken legs are done?

Always use a reliable meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. While 165°F is technically safe, dark meat benefits from higher temperatures:

• 165°F: Safe but might still be a bit pink near the bone
• 175°F: Juicy with no pink
• 180-185°F: Fall-off-the-bone tender

Why Smoke Chicken Legs at 225°F vs. Higher Temperatures?

There’s actually a bit of debate among BBQ enthusiasts about the ideal smoking temperature for chicken legs. Let me break down the pros and cons of each approach:

Smoking at 225°F:

• Pros: Maximum smoke absorption, more time to develop flavor
• Cons: Can lead to rubbery skin, takes longer (2.5-3 hours)

Smoking at 275°F:

• Pros: Crispier skin, faster cooking time (about 1.5 hours)
• Cons: Less time to absorb smoke flavor

My compromise? Start at 225°F for the first hour to get good smoke penetration, then increase to 400°F for the final 20-30 minutes to crisp up the skin. This two-step method gives you the best of both worlds!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Smoked Chicken Legs

Made too many? Lucky you! Smoked chicken legs make excellent leftovers:

Storage:

• Refrigerate in airtight containers for 3-4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months (wrap tightly in foil first, then place in freezer bags)

Reheating:

• Oven: 325°F for 15-20 minutes
• Grill: Indirect heat until warmed through
• Microwave: Last resort! Use 50% power and cover with a damp paper towel

Perfect Side Dishes for Smoked Chicken Legs

No smoked chicken leg dinner is complete without the right sides! Here are some crowd-pleasers that pair perfectly:

• Mac and cheese (especially smoked mac and cheese!)
• Coleslaw or pineapple coleslaw
• Smoked corn on the cob
• Baked potatoes or potato salad
• Watermelon feta salad for a refreshing contrast
• Biscuits or cornbread to soak up all that goodness

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Smoking Chicken Legs

If you’re new to smoking or on a budget, chicken legs are the perfect place to start. They’re:

• Affordable (often under $1 per pound)
• Forgiving (dark meat stays juicy)
• Quick compared to larger cuts like brisket or pork shoulder
• Universally loved (even picky kids will usually eat them!)

Plus, once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with different rubs, sauces, and woods to create your signature smoked chicken legs.

I still remember the first time I nailed a batch of smoked chicken legs – that perfect balance of smoky flavor, juicy meat, and crispy skin. My family couldn’t stop talking about them! Now they’re our go-to for weekend cookouts and game days.

So fire up that smoker, grab some chicken legs, and get ready to impress your friends and family with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Trust me, once you get the timing and temperature right, you’ll never want to cook chicken legs any other way again!